The Israeli defence minister said that the United States and Israel launched a major combat attack on Iran, and Iran responded quickly by firing a barrage of ballistic missiles at key Israeli cities.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched the first wave of missile and drone attacks against Israel in retaliation for the strikes, the Tasnim news agency reported.
Israel’s military sounded air raid sirens across multiple areas of the country to prepare the public for the possibility of incoming missiles following the retaliation.
In a video statement, the US president said, “We have begun an extensive military operation in Iran, and we will eliminate the threat posed by the Iranian regime.
[1:43 PM] Iran confirms shooting down US jet near Kuwait
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed that its air defense forces intercepted and shot down a US F-15 fighter jet near the Kuwait-Iraq border. Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters announced the development moments ago through Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB).
Earlier, Kuwait’s Defense Ministry reported that several US warplanes crashed inside the country, adding that all crew members survived.
[1:37 PM] Iran condemns Israeli strikes on Lebanon, calls global silence ‘shameful’
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei strongly condemned what he described as “brutal” and deadly Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut.
Baghaei accused Israel of repeatedly and flagrantly violating Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also cited breaches of the November 2024 ceasefire agreement.
[1:09 PM] Kuwait says ‘several’ US warplanes crashed, all crew survive
Kuwait’s Defense Ministry confirmed that several US warplanes crashed within the country, but all crew members survived.
A widely circulated video on social media showed a US F-15 pilot ejecting safely after the aircraft’s tail caught fire moments before the crash.
Kuwaiti authorities immediately launched search and rescue operations, evacuated all crew members safely, and transported them to hospital. Officials reported that their condition remains stable.
Authorities are now coordinating with the United States to investigate the exact cause of the crashes.
[12:50 PM] China confirms citizen killed in Tehran
China’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that a Chinese citizen died in Tehran following joint airstrikes by the US and Israel, according to RT.
Earlier, the ministry expressed deep concern over the military action and stressed that Iran’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity must be respected.
China urged all sides to immediately halt military operations to prevent further escalation and called for renewed dialogue and negotiations to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East.
[12:38 PM] Israeli-US strike targets Kataib Hezbollah sites near Baghdad
A joint Israeli-US missile strike targeted positions belonging to Kata’ib Hezbollah in Jurf al-Sakhr, south of Baghdad, a security source told Al Jazeera.
The attack caused significant material damage, destroying vehicles, facilities, and storage depots. Authorities have not confirmed any casualties so far.